For travelers with a sweet tooth, every new destination brings the opportunity to uncover unique flavors, textures, and treats that speak to the heart of a culture. From childhood favorites to beloved national treasures, candies offer a delicious gateway to exploring traditions and tastes around the world. Join us on a journey through some of the world’s most iconic candies and sweets—each one an adventure in itself!
1. Japan – Hi-Chew and Mochi
Japanese candy is a blend of creative flavors and refined textures. Hi-Chew is a popular chewy fruit candy, known for its intense flavors and satisfying bite. Available in varieties like green apple, mango, and even lychee, Hi-Chew captures Japan’s knack for combining bold, authentic tastes with an irresistible texture. Another classic is mochi, a soft rice cake often filled with sweetened red bean paste, which has an entirely different, delicate texture. Try a flavored mochi or indulge in the mochi ice cream trend for a chilled twist.
2. Mexico – Tamarind Candy (Pelon Pelo Rico)
In Mexico, candy often combines sweet with spicy and sour elements for a bold flavor profile. One of the most famous examples is Pelon Pelo Rico, a tamarind-based candy that balances sweetness with a hint of chili spice. Extruded from a fun, squeezable container, this candy is popular with both kids and adults. It’s a unique treat that brings the tangy, spicy taste of tamarind to life in a way that’s distinctively Mexican.
3. Germany – Haribo Gummies
Germany’s Haribo gummies have won hearts worldwide with their chewy texture and playful shapes. Haribo Goldbears, the classic gummy bears, are available in flavors like raspberry, lemon, and pineapple. Beyond bears, Germany offers gummies in shapes like cola bottles and fruit slices. Pick up a bag and enjoy Germany’s contribution to the gummy candy craze that has spread across the globe.
4. Turkey – Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Soft, chewy, and dusted with powdered sugar, Turkish Delight (or Lokum) is one of Turkey’s most iconic sweets. Traditionally flavored with rosewater, lemon, or orange, Turkish Delight has a distinctive taste and texture. Available with fillings of pistachio or other nuts, this candy provides a sweet taste of Turkey’s rich culinary history and is often shared as a gesture of hospitality.
5. Sweden – Swedish Fish
These colorful, chewy fish-shaped candies are loved in Sweden and have gained popularity worldwide. Known as Swedish Fish in English-speaking countries, they have a unique fruity flavor that’s hard to describe but unmistakably delicious. In Sweden, they’re known as “pastellfiskar” and are just one example of the country’s fondness for fruity, chewy candies.
6. Brazil – Brigadeiro
More than just candy, Brigadeiro is a Brazilian confection that’s beloved at celebrations and family gatherings. Made from sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, Brigadeiros are rolled into small balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles. They have a fudge-like consistency and a creamy, chocolaty flavor. Try one at a bakery or make them at home for a taste of Brazil’s sweetest tradition.
7. United Kingdom – Cadbury Dairy Milk and Wine Gums
The UK has a rich candy culture, and Cadbury Dairy Milk bars are a top choice. This classic milk chocolate is smooth, creamy, and available in an array of flavors. Another beloved British treat is Wine Gums—chewy, fruit-flavored candies that surprisingly contain no wine. With flavors like blackcurrant, orange, and lime, they’re a unique snack that Brits have enjoyed for generations.
8. India – Paan Flavored Candy
In India, the flavors of paan (betel leaf with areca nut and spices) are captured in candy form, offering a taste that’s both aromatic and refreshing. These candies are popular after meals and provide a fragrant, herbal sweetness that’s unlike any other candy in the world. Paan candies come in various forms, from chewy to hard, and showcase India’s complex blend of flavors.
9. South Korea – Pepero and Choco Pie
South Korea’s candy scene is booming with treats like Pepero—a thin biscuit stick coated in chocolate or other flavors. Pepero Day, celebrated on November 11, is dedicated to gifting these treats to friends and loved ones. Another classic is Choco Pie, a chocolate-coated cake with marshmallow filling, loved for its mix of textures and comforting sweetness.
10. Italy – Torrone
Torrone is a traditional Italian nougat made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds or hazelnuts. It has a unique, chewy texture and a subtle sweetness that captures the essence of Italian desserts. Torrone is a popular treat around the holidays, often enjoyed with a cup of espresso. For a sweet souvenir from Italy, Torrone is a wonderful choice.
Sweet Conclusions: A World of Flavor Awaits
Tasting candies from around the world allows us to savor cultures and traditions in bite-sized form. From the zesty tang of Mexican tamarind candies to the delicate floral notes of Turkish Delight, each treat carries with it the stories and tastes of its homeland. So, the next time you travel, make sure to explore the local sweets. Because when it comes to understanding a culture, sometimes the sweetest insights come wrapped in candy.
Bon appétit, and enjoy your global candy adventure!
